Don Seiden’s ARTOBIOGRAPHY

I wanted to alert all you fans of autobio comics about a new, unorthodox member of the genre. Don Seiden is an artist, art educator, and pioneer of art therapy in the Midwest. His artwork has appeared in over thirty-five solo and group shows. In addition to founding the art therapy department at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he has also served as a former chair for the sculpture, art education, and art therapy departments at SAIC.

Seiden, who is in his 70s, has just published a graphic autobiography and I highly recommend you check it out. Artobiography is fascinating: it’s illustrated in panels, with Seiden’s own handwritten captions accompanying the art. Though not technically a comic, it uses the conventions of the form to tell his story. Both social history and personal history, Artobiography takes the reader on a decades-spanning rollercoaster ride. Exploring issues of identity, family, career, sex, alcohol, and the search for meaning — all fueled by the artistic impulse — Artobiography is a fascinating no-holds-barred account of an eclectic artist who embodies the bohemian ideal.

You can also order the book by sending $18 (payable to Fisheye Graphic Services) to Fishey Graphic Services, Inc., 5443 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640. Seiden’s website is in its infancy; hopefully, as the book gains wider distribution, updates will be posted.